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Is an apprenticeship right path you?
An apprenticeship is an excellent way to launch a new career or advance in your current one. Discover if it's the right path for you.
Apprentice stories
An apprenticeship has the power to transform both your life and career. Hear from former apprentices as they share their experiences.
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Discover the types of apprenticeships available in your chosen field of interest.
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FAQs
Questions? Answers.
Quick answers to questions you may have. Can't find what you're looking for? Search our knowledge base.
Accessible to all: Apprenticeships cater to a diverse range of individuals, not exclusively for those leaving school.
Eligibility criteria:
- Age 16 or older
- Not in full-time education
- Living in England
Earning while learning: Apprentices are considered employees, receiving a salary while gaining practical experience and applying new skills in a real work setting.
Nationally recognised training: Employers across England and the UK widely acknowledge and value the training provided.
Debt-free education: Apprentices are exempt from tuition fees and student loans, eliminating concerns about student debt. They can still enjoy student discounts and obtain an NUS card.
Not a universal fit: Apprenticeships may only suit some, so thorough research on specific apprenticeships is essential before applying.
Juggling work and study: Apprentices are held to the same standards as their colleagues at work while meeting coursework deadlines and passing exams.
Limited flexibility: Some apprenticeships offer fewer opportunities to explore diverse industries than traditional university education.
Initial lower pay: Apprentices may earn less than fully qualified counterparts in the same industry until the completion of their apprenticeship.
If uncertain about choosing an apprenticeship, consider consulting with a dedicated adviser at the National Careers Service.
An apprenticeship is a job where you get paid to work and learn new things. While working, you also spend some time (at least 20%) learning in a classroom. This learning gets you a qualification that everyone recognises.
Here's what an apprenticeship includes:
- You get paid for the job, and you get holiday time.
- You get hands-on experience in a job you're interested in.
- About 20% of your time is spent in classroom learning.
- A formal test at the end gives you a recognised qualification.
If you're over 16 in England and:
- Just starting your career,
- Wanting to get better at your current job,
- Thinking about changing your career, or
- Not going to school full-time,
Then, you can apply.
Check out apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland if you're not in England.
Different apprenticeships have different levels, like how hard they are. Some might need you to have certain qualifications or you may need extra training in English or math to ensure you're at the right level.
If you're not quite ready for an apprenticeship, there are traineeships. They help you get the skills and experience you need before starting an apprenticeship.
- Intermediate (Level 2) is like getting your GCSEs.
- Advanced (Level 3) is like getting A levels.
- Higher (Levels 4, 5, 6, and 7) is like getting a degree or more.
In England, when someone is learning a job through an apprenticeship, they have to spend 20% of their paid time on training, not at their workplace. This training is important because it helps the apprentice learn the necessary skills.
Subject experts do the training and can include:
- Classroom lessons.
- Online learning.
- Practical training where they shadow someone or visit companies.
- Time to work on assignments.
This training can happen at the workplace or somewhere else. Some employers train themselves, while others partner with schools or training providers.
The training should add up to 20% of all the hours the apprentice is supposed to work during the apprenticeship. It can be done differently, like a little bit each day, once a week, or all at once.
The employer and the training provider decide the best way to do the training.
Your earnings depend on your age, job, and location. You get the apprentice rate if you're 16 to 18 or in the first year. You get at least the National Minimum Wage if you're 19 or older and past the first year.
Apprenticeships don't have student loans or tuition fees. The government and your employer pay for it. You might need to cover daily costs, but many employers pay a good salary. You get extra support in your first year if you're 16 to 24 and in foster care.